Talking points from Budapest

With the dust settled at the end of another enthralling FIA Formula 2 race weekend, at Budapest in Hungary, we take a look at five talking points from the track.

Back to the future

The most famous name in motorsport was back on the top of a podium at a Formula 1 weekend again in Budapest, with Mick Schumacher earning his maiden Formula 2 victory in style, 15 years after his father, Michael, last won in Hungary.

The 20-year-old with the weight of the motorsport world on his shoulders has been a slow burner since joining the F2 ranks in November 2018, taking time to become accustomed with his new machinery. His season started in similar style to Round 8 back in Bahrain, in his first race in the category, when he achieved reverse pole thanks to an 8th place finish in the Feature Race.

This had Schumacher fans dreaming of the name back at the top of the podium, but he was unable to hold off his more esteemed rivals and eventually finished 6th. The fact that eight rounds later he was able to defend against the experienced Nobuharu Matsushita is testament to the bumpy journey he has followed since.

He said it himself, there have been some tough moments along the way, with sprinklings of delight here and there, but as with any rookie in F2, it will take time. Judging by this performance, there is plenty more to come from the Ferrari F1 junior, but patience will be vital in the youngster’s development.

Dancing in the rain

It’s been a long time coming – eight rounds in fact – but finally, fans were treated to rain in the 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship. It may not have come during the race, but it intensified a Qualifying session that Nyck de Vries looked set to dominate.

Okay yes, the Dutchman did still dominate, thanks to the perfect example of how to drive in the wet, but it shuffled up the pack behind him. Nicholas Latifi and Luca Ghiotto both joined De Vries in the front three for the first time this season, while Mick Schumacher earned his joint-best Qualifying position of 4th.

Many of the drivers discussed their enjoyment at driving in the rain and the extra spice it added to the race for pole. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too much longer to see a sprinkle in a race.

Back to his brilliant best

What a Saturday morning it was for Latifi in Budapest. The Canadian secured his first win since Barcelona and put an end to a frustrating period. He showed exactly what he is capable of with a sublime overtake of De Vries at the race start, slipping around the edge of him when his concentration was locked on Ghiotto to his right.

Slightly bold, mildly courageous, but exactly what he needed. You can’t believe for a second that the move wasn’t on his mind from the off and when De Vries locked up, it came off. The DAMS’ driver was then able to push for a gap on the prime tyres, before diving into the pits at the right time to switch his rubber.

In doing so, he secured his fourth victory of the season and got his title charge firmly back on track. Only time will tell what he can produce in Round 9 when action resumes.

Nyck De Vries

What more can be said of De Vries? The Dutchman is doing a superb job at the top of the table, with a continually consistent stream of results, despite the challenges that are being thrown at him.

He has had to contend with second row pace, tyre degradation, pit limiter complications and following Round 8, a slow puncture, but every time he has come out trumps, with at least a podium a weekend to show for his efforts since Round 1.

And, when his ART machine is on-form – and it has been many times – he always delivers. Pole positon in Budapest was the perfect example, but you can also point to his wins in Monaco and Le Castellet as examples.

In achieving P2 in the Hungarian Feature Race, he broke an F2 record, netting a podium place in seven of the last eight rounds, with eight overall.

Summer break

The drivers may be off for a short few weeks, but don’t worry, we won’t be going anywhere. There will be plenty of fresh content during the off period as we look to keep you up-to-date with all that is ongoing in the Road to F1.

There will be in-depth interviews and fun features, with plenty to feast your eyes over and ensure that you get your F2 fix. Starting with our brand new guest column, where our first writer, Tatiana Calderón, discusses Round 8 in Budapest and her plans for the summer break – you can find that HERE.

There is all to play for when racing returns at the end of August in Spa-Francorchamps. De Vries remains locked in battle for the title, alongside the likes of Latifi, Sérgio Sette Câmara and Ghiotto. Rookie trio Guanyu Zhou, Anthoine Hubert and Schumacher are improving by the round and DAMS have a fight on their hands in the Teams’ Championship.

Don’t. Go. Anywhere.